Numerous bishops and priests were also present as well as Fr Yate’s family and friends.

Fr Brian Yates was known for his generosity and hospitality. He was appointed Spiritual Director at St Patrick’s Seminary in Manly in 1970.

In his address, Fr Yate’s nephew, Timothy, described him as an “amazing person” and “loving uncle” who “will be sorely missed.”

In his homily, long-time friend Fr John Ford described Fr Yates, who was crippled with Polio at the age for four, as a “truly special person” and said his life was “a true Jesus story.”

He spoke of Fr Yate’s selfless and non-judgemental care for people especially those in need. As a young priest in the Woollahra Parish he began a “life of hospitality,” founding what he called “Number 80,” a place of refuge for people in need.

He was appointed Spiritual Director of St Patrick’s College in Manly in 1970 and his time there was one of “joy, anxiety, affliction and reward,” Fr Ford said.

POPULAR CATEGORY

The Catholic Weekly is proudly Catholic, proudly counter-cultural, proudly in favour of life.
We strive to share our vision of the Church, the Lord and the life-changing possibilities of the Christian path with our readers, providing a degree of Catholic clarity for complex times.